UMD Launches M.S. in Artificial Intelligence
The program aims to prepare industry-ready AI leaders.
The University of Maryland will offer a new Master of Science in artificial intelligence (AI) this fall to teach the fundamentals of this transformative technology while giving students the expertise needed to address important questions about the interaction between AI, people and society.
The interdisciplinary program is administered by the Science Academy, in conjunction with the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM), and adds to the academy’s existing M.S. programs in applied machine learning, data science, bioinformatics and computational biology, and quantum computing.
Domestic applications for fall admission will be accepted through Aug. 15, and no GRE is required.
“The University of Maryland has been a leader in AI research and innovation for more than 50 years, and we are excited to offer this new master’s program for those who are looking to upskill or pivot into a new career in this rapidly changing field,” said Amitabh Varshney, a professor of computer science and dean of UMD’s College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, which oversees the Science Academy.
U.S. News & World Report ranks UMD No. 8 among public institutions for the artificial intelligence specialty among graduate programs, and CSRankings.org ranks UMD No. 3 among all U.S. universities in artificial intelligence based on publications from the last five years.
The M.S. in AI is a non-thesis program that consists of 30 credits of coursework and can be completed in less than two years. It features in-person courses at UMD’s College Park campus, mainly in the evenings to accommodate working professionals.
Students will gain knowledge and skills in machine learning, deep learning and AI-driven decision-making while exploring areas such as AI ethics, human-computer interaction, explainable AI and policy considerations.
With advanced forms of AI beginning to transform how we live and work, the master’s degree program is a commitment by the university to prepare students with both the technical expertise and ethical grounding to shape the future of AI responsibly, UMD leaders said.
“We're at a time when building AI requires deep technical skills as well as knowledge of how those skills can be used to better society and humanity,” said Hal Daumé III, AIM director and Volpi-Cupal Endowed Professor of Computer Science and Language Science. “I'm thrilled that AIM is partnering on this program with courses that range from machine learning and generative AI to interdisciplinary foundations in human-centered AI and AI policy.”
